“We have to ensure we keep all our players on the field. We know the atmosphere will be hostile but we need to concentrate solely on our performance.

“If we do that it will take us a long way to getting the result we want.

“It's a tough game but it’s one we know we can win.”

Liverpool's recent derby record is impressive. They have lost just three of the past 27 Premier League clashes with Everton home or away, and have triumphed in four of the last six league meetings at Goodison.

Rodgers, who will celebrate his 50 league game in charge of the Reds, knows the stakes are even higher on this occasion with both clubs camped inside the top six.

“It's going to be a fiercely competitive game,” he said.

“We are both rivals, but at the moment it's not only in terms of location but in terms of points and positions in the league.

“Our record in these games in recent years is good but I don't think that will play on their minds. It’s one where every game is different.

“They may feel like psychologically they have an edge as they haven't been beaten at home for a long time.

“We can only really concentrate on ourselves. For me, every game in charge of this football club is massively important and none more so than this one.

“We'll be fighting for our supporters and hoping to do them proud.”

Steven Gerrard is expected to recover from a minor hip problem to start against the Blues.

It will be the Reds skipper's 30 derby – equalling Jamie Carragher's appearance tally in the fixture.

Rodgers must decide whether to stick with the side which thrashed Fulham 4-0 a fortnight ago. Alternatively, he could switch to three at the back to accommodate centre-back Mamadou Sakho, who was rested against the Cottagers.

Jon Flanagan is expected to get the nod to start at left-back ahead of Aly Cissokho.